The Nigerian Federal capital territory administration, FCTA, has commenced the implementation of the state community policing initiative aimed at reducing crime and deepen trust between the public and law enforcement agencies.

The Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello stated this in Abuja Nigeria’s capital while inaugurating a sixteen members State Community Policing Advisory Committee, SCPAC, for FCT.

The Minister noted that community policing worldwide has proven to be effective in curbing crimes by making the police and community members work together in the prevention and solving of crimes.

Malam Bello expressed confidence that with the Presidential approval granted for community oriented policing across the nation, Nigeria will begin to witness a reduction in crime rate.

He enjoined members of the committee to take the assignment very seriously and give it the attention it deserves.

Bello also urged the committee members to be non-partisan in their decisions and recommendations while being guided by the principles of natural justice and the laws of the land.

The Minister added that community policing was a strategy anchored on trust between the people and the security officers.

According to him,”once there is a trust deficit in any guise or form, the workability of this policy becomes highly diminished and we will have lost a great opportunity in improving the security profile of the territory.

“it is necessary that selection into the Special Constabulary is fair and just with proper screening. Those selected should also be provided with basic training needed for the job. There should also be a robust feedback and monitoring mechanism for the performance of those appointed to carry out tasks within the community. There should also be a confidentiality of investigations and protection of informants”.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the 16 member Committee and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Ciroma promised to deliver on the mandate and to invest the requisite energy and intellect of the police to entrench a result oriented community policing approach that would be beneficial to the FCT communities.

The FCT Police Commissioner explained that the committee could only deliver on its mandate if FCT residents continue to embrace community policing and provide the necessary support that would see to its success.

Also speaking at the event, the Senator representing the FCT at the 9th Assembly, Senator Philip Tainimu Aduda, pledged to support the full implementation of the initiative across the territory to enhance the security of live and property of people in the FCT.

Sen. Aduda hailed the Inspector General of Police for reviving the community policing system to improve national security.

Members of the committee were drawn from various government security organisations in the  FCT and respected political, religious, traditional and community leaders.

SOURCE:https://www.von.gov.ng/fct-begins-implementation-of-community-policing/